Blood Transfusions

Nurses Safety

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Hi everyone!

I have been a member since June 2007 when I was in my second year of nursing school. I have been an experienced nurse 1 year already. Jan.5 was my 1st anniversary!

So my question is, I was trained to transfuse blood through the blue adapter, or the the port you put on the tubing when he patient is Hep locked. Then a couple of months ago I was told I can't do it that way but to do it through an open line and not through the adapter d/t lysing of the blood. Is this true? I haven't found documentation or research which way is better. No sure where o look. Our policy and procedures did not say.

JAB77

Specializes in OR, peds, PALS, ICU, camp, school.

I'm curious, too, about what the data proves. Years ago we were taught never to infuse through the cap, or draw labs that way. The old rubber caps or the new style caps. Now, it's common practice. Apparently it's not contraindicated, but you're reminding me and making me wonder.

Specializes in Oncology/BMT.

I work oupatient oncology/hematology/BMT and give PRBC's and plts almost every day. We use the CLC 2000 adapters (caps) and there has never been anything said about not using them for transfusions. Our manager is also the IV team manager and knows all kinds of wild and crazy IV stuff. So I'm sure if it's taboo, it would be in the policy.

Thanks for your input guys! Our units nursing instructor told us it does not lyse the blood so I guess its ok we use them.

This is just the thing I was wanting to know!! I love allnurses.com.

Thanks nurses!!

The adaptors these days create a great big hole for things to go through. You can actually stick an adapter on a cap and see right through it. More than enough room for blood cells to squeeze through.

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